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George Geddes

Mitchell Library, The Bailie

George "Geordie" Geddes (c 1826-1889) was the keeper of the Glasgow Morgue and the officer of the Humane Society.

Adopted and raised in Govan, Geddes worked in the Silk Mill there for two years, 1833-1835. He then joined his brother as a ferryman at the foot of McNeil Street before becoming the assistant to the Glasgow Humane Society's officer and, in 1859, its first full-time officer. According to The Bailie, Geddes rescued thirty-five people from the River Clyde between 1845 and 1860. He won the Glasgow Humane Society's Gold Medal and a bronze medal from the Royal Humane Society of London.

Geddes was a famous oarsman. He was succeeded as the Society’s officer by his son, also George.

Reference: Mitchell Library, 920.04BAI

Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Libraries Information and Learning